Ear Pinna Growth and Differentiation Is Conserved in Murids and Requires BMP Signaling for Chondrocyte Proliferation

The study investigates ear pinna development in two rodent species, Mus musculus and Acomys dimidiatus, highlighting the conservation of this process and the role of BMP5 in chondrocyte proliferation. It reveals that pre-cartilaginous cells are specified into chondroblasts early in development, which then proliferate extensively before maturing. The study shows that while BMP5 is not necessary for chondroblast specification, it is crucial for their proliferation, as evidenced by impaired proliferation in the short ear mouse mutant lacking BMP5. This research provides insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying ear pinna differentiation.